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Book Creator

As the great Roald Dahl said, “I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers, to become comfortable with a book, not daunted. Books shouldn't be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage.”

Book Creator

I had been using the free version of Book Creator. Maybe I should rephrase that: the free version of Book Creator was an App I had on my iPad. Let me explain myself. Last year, I downloaded the app and was going to use it with a grade six student. The student wanted to turn her information text into an interactive text, complete with sound and annotations. After completing a quick Internet search, I was inundated with ideas and suggestions. One thing was clear: Book Creator was the first choice of many and, therefore, I needed to download it!

During a grade two unit of inquiry (Storytelling) planning meeting, myself, Mr. Hughes and the grade 2 teachers discussed the following lines of inquiry:

What stories can convey

Feelings and emotions connected to stories (characters and audience)

Creating and sharing effective stories

Students would inquire into how stories can engage their audience, communicate meaning and express values.

What teacher questions/provocations will drive these inquiries?

What makes a good story? (Form, Perspective)

Why do people tell stories? (Perspective)

What different ways can you tell a story? (Form, Perspective)

What can people learn from stories? (Connection, Perspective)

What common themes or lessons do stories have? (Connection)

Creating and sharing effective stories

Enter Book Creator

After students had drafted and edited their stories and had been through the writing process, creating an ebook would be 'a walk in the park.'

Each student was given an iPad, complete with the free version of Book Creator. I then gave the students some time to explore the app. I told them to use their ICT skills for inquiry and go investigate! The learning intention for the students was to create a front cover page for their story. Another great feature about this app is that it is quite intuitive and works well for student-led learning engagements. With the students now familiar with the app Book Creator, they quickly and independently went about creating an ebook.

On reflection...

I will definitely use this app again and would recommend this to any teacher of educational professional with an iPad! An app where students can import pictures or video from the camera roll, add audio and annotate is always a winner in my book!

Through the use of ICT, learners develop and apply strategies for critical and creative thinking, engage in inquiry, make connections, and apply new understandings and skills in different contexts. (IBO, 2011)